Sadie Sink Joins Spider-Man 4 Cast with Tom Holland

Exciting news for fans of both *Stranger Things* and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)! Sadie Sink, renowned for her role as Max Mayfield in the hit Netflix series, is set to join the cast of *Spider-Man 4* alongside Tom Holland. According to Deadline, the actress, who made her film debut in the 2016 biographical sports drama *Chuck*, will be part of the upcoming MCU movie, which is scheduled to start filming later this year and is slated for a release on July 31, 2026. Both Marvel and Sony have remained tight-lipped, offering no comment on the report.

Speculation abounds about the character Sink will portray. Deadline suggests she might step into the shoes of the iconic X-Men character Jean Grey or another beloved redheaded character from the Spider-Man universe, such as Mary Jane Watson. This raises intriguing questions about how her introduction will mesh with Peter Parker's existing relationship with Michelle "MJ" Jones-Watson, portrayed by Zendaya in the previous films. Given the significant events of *Spider-Man: No Way Home*, where Peter reintroduces himself to MJ after Doctor Strange erases his identity from everyone's memory, Sink's role could herald a new chapter for the franchise.

Tom Holland, currently engaged in filming Christopher Nolan's *The Odyssey*, is expected to transition to *Spider-Man 4* upon completing his work on Nolan's project, as per Deadline's report.

Last year, Marvel Studios' President Kevin Feige hinted at the introduction of X-Men characters in upcoming MCU films. Speaking at the Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore, Feige teased fans with the promise of seeing "some X-Men players that you might recognize" in the near future, though he kept specifics under wraps. He further elaborated on the integration of the X-Men into the MCU, stating, "I think you will see that continues in our next few movies with some X-Men players that you might recognize. Right after that, the whole story of Secret Wars really leads us into a new age of mutants and of the X-Men. Again, [it's] one of those dreams come true. We finally have the X-Men back."

Every Confirmed Mutant in the MCU (So Far)

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Looking ahead, Marvel's next few movies, which include *Captain America: Brave New World*, *Thunderbolts*, and *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* set for July 2025, could potentially feature these mutant characters. However, it seems more likely that the mutants will make their presence felt throughout Phase 6, which includes *Avengers: Doomsday* and *Spider-Man 4* in 2026, and *Avengers: Secret Wars* in 2027. A key question is whether Deadpool and Wolverine, following their successful standalone movie this summer, will return to the MCU. Additionally, there's speculation about Channing Tatum reprising his role as Gambit.

Feige has been clear about the significant role the X-Men will play in the MCU's future post-*Secret Wars*. He remarked, "When we were preparing for *Avengers: Endgame* years ago, it was a question of getting to the grand finale of our narrative, and then we had to start all over again after that. This time, on the road to *Secret Wars*, we already know very well what the story is going to be until then and afterwards. The X-Men are an important part of that future."

It appears that Phase 7 of the MCU will be heavily influenced by the X-Men. In the short term, Storm made her debut in *What If...?* Season 3, marking her entry into the wider MCU. Furthermore, Marvel Studios has added three untitled movie projects to its 2028 release schedule, with dates set for February 18, May 5, and November 10, 2028. It's increasingly likely that one of these films will be dedicated to the X-Men.